The safety of children and members of other vulnerable groups is paramount and all, without exception, have the right to protection from abuse. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately and all the charity’s volunteers have a responsibility to report concerns.

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1. PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF ORGANISATION

The Festival provides opportunities for amateur talent only to be developed, and a platform for all those who enjoy dancing. It enables competitors to see the work of others and provides stimulation for improvement. This is combined with an educational element from professional dancers and speakers.

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2. THE FESTIVAL ENVIRONMENT

The Festival is a charity run by volunteers and informs and involves parents, carers, guardians and teachers in partnership to ensure a safe environment at the venue. We do this by ensuring that all participants receive a copy of this policy. The Safeguarding policy is available in the syllabus, in the programme and on the website. The Festival has hired the facilities of Backwell School Theatre and the School is not running the event.

3. TO WHOM DOES THIS POLICY APPLY

This policy relates to all children under the age of 18 and members of vulnerable groups of any age whose needs are identified to the Festival organisers by parents, carers, guardians and / or teachers prior to their arrival at the Festival. This should be done by contacting the Safeguarding Officer. Contact details can be found at the top of the policy. Our Festival actively seeks to meet all needs, but must know specific needs beforehand in order to identify what support we are able to offer.

4. FESTIVAL PERSONNEL

New potential volunteers are either suggested by existing committee members / volunteers or approach the Festival committee directly to enquire about volunteering opportunities. All volunteer positions are reviewed and DBS disclosure is required. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expect all volunteers to share this commitment. Badges with names and positions identify all Stewards. In case of problem, anyone wearing a badge will be able to direct you to someone who will be able to help. Please discuss any concerns with the Safeguarding Officer. Every concern will be taken seriously and will be recorded.

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5. PREPARATION FOR ATTENDANCE AT THE EISTEDDFOD
A parent, carer, guardian or teacher must accompany and supervise all entrants under 18. Individual entries: This policy is included in the syllabus and programme and must be signed as read on the entry form. Dance schools, Private teachers / Groups: This policy is included in the syllabus. Please ensure it has been read and tick the box on the entry form before returning to the Festival secretary, in order for applications to be progressed. Please confirm that the information in the policy has been passed on to participants.

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6. PERFORMANCE AND CHANGING AREAS

Designated changing areas will be provided, but these, along with public areas, will not be supervised by Festival Stewards and must be supervised by the adults accompanying the participants.

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7. PHOTOGRAPHS, FILMING AND PRESS PHOTOGRAPHY
Recording of performances or adjudications by any means is forbidden. An official photographer will be in attendance to photograph competitors at the end of a session. Where parents / carers do not wish photos to be taken, it is the responsibility of the accompanying adult to ensure the child or vulnerable adult is not included in press photographs. Please tick the box on the entry form as appropriate.

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These policy will be reviewed annually and amend appropriately. The organisers will work in accordance with guidance from the British and International Federation of Festivals for support.

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The committee wish to thank all our volunteers, committee members and our life members for their continuous support.